The ExxonMobil Foundation STEM Africa Program is nearing the close of its second year, and its impact is already resonating deeply across the continent. What began last year with over 6,000 students has expanded across Nigeria, Mozambique, Angola, and Namibia, growing into a powerful platform for innovation and youth empowerment.
From Zonal Quizzes that tested knowledge and teamwork, to Kahoot! Quizzes that brought energy and fun into digital learning, and ultimately to Innovation Camps that challenged students to apply STEM thinking to real-world problems, the program has steadily built momentum and inspired a new generation of problem solvers. The final Innovation Camp, held in Namibia, marked a milestone moment, as JA Africa’s Programs Assistant, Terah Zotorvie, delivered a speech on the importance of STEM and the expectations for Africa’s young innovators. He said, “For today’s Innovation Camp, our (ExxonMobil Foundation, JA Africa, and Mindsinaction) priorities are twofold: first, to select the team that will represent Namibia at the Final Pitch Competition in Cape Town, South Africa; and more importantly, to ensure that every student here ends the day with the right tools, inspiration, and courage to transform ideas into real solutions that tackle challenges in your communities.”
This year’s journey has also been marked by recognition beyond the classroom. The ExxonMobil Foundation STEM Africa Program was honored with the Local Impact Award for Driving Positive Change in African Communities at the Africa Energies Summit, a powerful testament to the program’s ability to transform lives at scale.
Now, as the program transitions into its next phase, national winners from each country will be paired with ExxonMobil Foundation STEM Experts for mentorship. This coaching will prepare them to showcase their innovations at the upcoming Regional Competition in Cape Town, South Africa, this November. There, the brightest student teams will present their solutions before esteemed judges, continuing a tradition that last year crowned ITEL from Angola as the grand prize winner.
In just two years, the ExxonMobil Foundation STEM Africa Program has demonstrated what is possible when industry and education come together with purpose. None of this would be possible without the steadfast partnership of the ExxonMobil Foundation, whose commitment to Africa’s young people drives the program’s vision, and the dedication of our implementing partners, ADPP Angola, Minds in Action STEAM, Osuwela, and JA Nigeria, whose expertise and passion bring the program to life on the ground. By investing in the skills, creativity, and resilience of young people, this collaboration is not only opening doors to opportunity but also shaping a generation ready to lead Africa into a future of innovation and growth.
As we look ahead to Cape Town, we celebrate the journey so far and eagerly anticipate announcing this year’s winners, who will join a growing community of youth proving that Africa’s future is not just bright, it is unstoppable.
